The Northern Constabulary took charge of my canoe as evidence after my brother was drowned.Three months later I went to pick it up and it had been damaged beyond repair. The police say it was an accident, no one is to blame and they can not pay to replace it. Can I take the police to the small claims court?Do I sue the Northern Constabulary or the Chief Constable?The replacement cost of the canoe is £640.Hope some one can help.

In Scotland the police cannot be sued for negligence-you have to prove malice. The chances of success are minimal but sometimes it's worth running a small claim in the hope of an economic out of court settlement. Don't count on that though. My advice is to write this off as a bad job and don't get involved in a stressful litigation. It's your call though.

In Scotland the police cannot be sued for negligence-you have to prove malice. The chances of success are minimal but sometimes it's worth running a small claim in the hope of an economic out of court settlement. Don't count on that though. My advice is to write this off as a bad job and don't get involved in a stressful litigation. It's your call though.

I would be interested to know more details about this case so that I can publicise it on a website.